Four Popular Alternatives to LASIK

When people think of vision correction surgery, they typically think of LASIK, but that is just one of many options. There are also some LASIK alternatives that are worth considering, especially if you don’t qualify for LASIK. Check out the top alternatives so you will have all of the information you need. After this, you will be ready to discuss your options with a Denver eye surgeon who specializes in LASIK and LASIK alternatives.

Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery

If you have extreme myopia, presbyopia, or hyperopia, you might not qualify for LASIK, but you can get Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) surgery. The eye surgeon will use a laser to remove your natural lens. Then, an artificial lens will be put in its place. The new lens won’t ever get cloudy and it doesn’t age. That means that people who get RLE don’t really have to worry about cataracts. This procedure also has as short recovery time so you will be back to normal life quickly!

Phakic Intraocular Lens Implants

People who have severe presbyopia or myopia typically don’t qualify for LASIK, but they can get Phakic intraocular lens implants. Your eye surgeon won’t remove, cut, or peel the cornea during this procedure. Instead, he or she will implant an artificial lens between the cornea and the iris. This improves the eye’s focusing power. The new lens is meant to be permanent, but it can be removed if needed. If you wear thick glasses and are ready to improve your vision, consider talking to your eye doctor about this procedure.

LASEK

People who have flat or thin corneas might not be able to get LASIK, but they can get LASEK. Your eye surgeon will soften your cornea’s outer layer with an alcohol solution. Then, he or she will reshape the corneal tissue with a laser. It takes longer to recover from LASEK than it does LASIK, but there is a big benefit to this procedure: It has a much smaller risk of infection, so you are less likely to suffer from complications.

Epi-LASIK

If you’re looking for a procedure that is less invasive than LASIK, consider Epi-LASIK. Your surgeon will use a plastic blade to lift the epithelium. The epithelium is the thin, outermost layer of the cornea. The flap created during Epi-LASIK is much thinner than the one created during LASIK. Once the flap is created, he or she will reshape the cornea with a laser. Finally, your surgeon will insert a protective contact lens that will speed up your cornea’s recovery. Since the surgeon doesn’t penetrate the epithelium, you can get the procedure even if you have thin corneas. It is worth noting that you will experience more post-surgical discomfort with Epi-LASIK than you will with LASIK. However, the recovery time is shorter.

If you aren’t sure which procedure is right for you, schedule an appointment with a Centennial, Colorado LASIK surgeon. Your surgeon will examine your eyes to see which procedure is the right fit. Then, you will learn about your potential outcomes and schedule your procedure. Once your procedure is scheduled, you won’t have to wait long for great vision; your eyes will be better in no time at all. Contact Spivack in Centennial, CO for your consultation today!